Severe storms, which brought about flooding, landslides, and mudslides earlier this year, prompted today's announcement by Governor Tina Kotek celebrating a Major Disaster Declaration for Southern Oregon—signaled by President Trump. Specifically affected are Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties, where storms from March 13–20 ravaged communities and infrastructure. The declaration unleashes FEMA funds, bolstering state and local recovery efforts and backing emergency work plus repairs to damaged facilities, according to the Governor's Office.
"Oregonians are resilient and inspiring," Governor Kotek was quoted, with federal resources being termed "essential" for the community's recovery, as reported by the Governor's Office. While this federal aid brings relief to many, Harney County, which faced its own bout of severe flooding, was notably left out of this aid package. Despite being excluded from federal aid, repairs for Harney County were funded by state efforts to address its compromised wastewater system that serves the Burns Paiute Tribe and City of Burns, causing significant health hazards when it failed.
Leading up to this relief, Oregon underwent a series of extreme weather conditions from mid-March to mid-April, filled with severe storms, rapid snowmelt, and record rainfall. The swell of natural calamity resulted in broken-down infrastructure and displaced residents, with some still waiting to make their way back home. Governor Kotek took action declaring states of emergency both in March and again in late March for the affected regions of Southern and Southeastern Oregon.
In the aftermath of these weather events, "Our staff worked tirelessly, compiling damage assessments, coordinating with local jurisdictions, and ensuring every detail was accounted for," shared Oregon Department of Emergency Management Director Erin McMahon, as mentioned by the Governor's Office. McMahon's team's dogged efforts were essential in laying the groundwork that led to the vital federal support now secured.
